Posts Tagged ‘Flight School Insurance’

The sun was setting as Bill pulled out folding chairs for himself and his friend Jeff. The soda cans hissed as they opened and the men sat down and breathed in the airport scenery. The hangar chat soon turned towards aircraft insurance. Bill’s Cessna 180 policy was expiring next month and he was surprised to hear he was paying considerably more than Jeff who also had a Cessna 180! Bill promptly pulled out his cellphone to call a fellow pilot who was an aviation insurance broker.

Leaning forward in their chairs, the pilots listened intently to the woman over the speakerphone. “Let’s make sure this is an apples to apples comparison first as there are several items to take into consideration when it comes to aviation insurance rates,” she explained. Bill trusted Victoria to provide honest feedback, he wanted an insurance broker who is immersed in the aviation industry and specializes in aviation insurance to protect his assets.

“Pilot experience in the aircraft being flown is a primary factor in determining insurance rates. Jeff has over 2,000 hours experience in tailwheel aircraft and has an instrument rating. Bill, you are relatively new to tailwheel aircraft with 50 hours of tailwheel time. This, plus the fact that an instrument rating can save a pilot around 10% on their insurance explains why your rates are higher than Jeff’s.” she clarified.

Victoria then taught Bill and Jeff about the importance of knowing the value of their aircraft. While some owners carry liability only, most pilots opt to carry hull coverage on their airplane. Those who insure their aircraft for more than true market value are paying for more insurance than is necessary. If the aircraft were to sustain major damage the insurance carrier may just pay for it to be repaired when the plane would otherwise be totaled. On the other end of the spectrum, underinsuring may result in a “constructive total loss” where the cost of repairs plus salvage value exceeds the insured value.

Satisfied with Victoria’s explanation Jeff interjected, “How much liability coverage should I carry?”

The liability portion of an aviation insurance policy includes protection for property damage and bodily injury. The pilots were recommended to purchase as much liability that is affordable to them. Industry standard and the minimum required by most airports is $1,000,000 liability with a $100,000 per passenger sublimit. This limit states that property or persons outside of the aircraft can receive up to $1,000,000 for damages. Individuals inside the aircraft have $100,000 available for injuries. It is important to be aware that some outdated policies are written with a per person (versus per passenger) sub-limit stating that all individuals both inside and outside the aircraft only have a maximum of $100,000 available. In any case the maximum available for all bodily injury and property damage combined would be $1,000,000 total.

Insurance policies containing no per passenger or per person limit are often called “smooth limits”. While not available in every situation, it is in the interest of the insured to inquire if smooth limits are available on their policy.

To keep the discussion going, Bill inquired what he should do if he were to fly a friend’s airplane or rent from a flight school.

“Non-owned insurance, often called renter’s insurance, provides coverage when operating an aircraft that is not owned completely or partially by the pilot. Unlike owned policies, non-owned insurance premiums are rated on the limits of coverage purchased, not pilot experience. An ATP and a student pilot could have the same rates if they purchased the same limits. Since both of you are individual aircraft owners, your insurance may already have non-owned coverage included when flying a similar category and class aircraft. An additional policy may not be needed!”

She then explained the importance of non-owned coverage. Many pilots assume they are covered under their flight school or the aircraft owner’s policy. Sometimes that is true; however, that does not exempt the insurance carrier from subrogating (recovering their loss) against the pilot responsible. Another essential aspect of the non-owned policy is it covers the liable pilot’s legal fees. Often an hour of a lawyer’s time costs more than the insurance policy itself.

Many flight schools require non-owned coverage so that the renter pilot can cover their deductible in the case of a loss. In addition, when non-owned physical damage is purchased the policy may include loss of use, so the flight school can recover lost earnings while the aircraft is off the flight line.

Bill smiled, “Here’s a question. Why should we call you for our aircraft insurance?” Victoria laughed, “Great question! Most insurance companies do not work directly with the insured, so a broker is required. However, not all brokers are alike. Competition is the fuel behind industry rates and working with an aviation insurance broker that is appointed with all the major aircraft insurance markets will save you both time and money on your policy. Access to multiple insurance carriers also provides flexibility before committing to a specific carrier’s requirements. Also, being able to work with a broker who specializes in aviation insurance and understands the industry as a pilot themselves adds a lot of credibility.”

“Thank you for taking the time to explain aviation insurance to us tonight. You have been so very helpful, let’s just hope I never need it!” Jeff exclaimed when their conversation was over. Bill nodded in agreement. The sky was getting dark and the moon sent shadows across the taxiway. The hangar door shut with a clank and the Cessna 180 awaited behind closed doors for its next flight.

Victoria Neuville is an instrument rated commercial pilot, the author of the Turbo the Flying Dog book series and a co-host on the Stuck Mic AvCast aviation podcast. She has over 6 years of experience as an agent managing accounts for Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR), an aviation insurance broker headquartered in Frederick, MD. When you call AIR at (877) 247-7767 to speak with Victoria, make sure to mention you heard about AIR on Airplanista!

A: There are many benefits to requiring non-owned (or renters) insurance for both your renter and the school. Let’s take a closer look at why:

Renter:

A non-owned aircraft insurance policy includes the insured’s legal defense. While an initial consultation with a lawyer can cost around $500, this is less than spent annually on a basic non-owned insurance policy. Regardless of fault, the insurance carrier will provide a defense in the case of legal action by an injured party. In addition, if the renter elects to purchase physical damage coverage, they will be protected for the flight school’s deductible up to the policy limits selected.

Flight School Owner:

Typically, flight school insurance policies do not cover loss of use. When an aircraft is damaged and taken off the line the flight school potentially loses profit. A renter’s insurance policy can make up for that loss. Since most flight school leases hold renters responsible for the deductible, having non-owned coverage in place will help provide a smoother relationship with the renter during the claim.

Q: What limits should I request my renters to carry?

A: We always recommend an individual purchase as much liability coverage as they can afford. As a guideline, we recommend at least $500,000 each occurrence with $50,000 each person for bodily injury and property damage. For physical damage liability, a pilot should carry at least enough to cover the flight school deductible plus potential loss of profits while down for repair.

Q: How long does obtaining a renters insurance policy take?

A: It is very easy to start non-owned coverage today and coverage can be placed for standard, experimental, multi-engine, seaplanes and helicopter aircraft! It can take as little as ten minutes of your time when you sign up online. We are also only a phone call away at 877-247-7769. We recommend flight schools put a link to the online porthole on their website so students and renters can quickly find and start coverage.

Each year, thousands of pilots and aviation enthusiasts descend upon Lakeland, Florida for a week of fun, sun and of course, aviation! This year’s international fly-in is Tuesday, April 21st through Sunday, April 26th. Guest performers include the USAF Thunderbirds, the Breitling Jet Team, the Patriot Jump Team, Rob Holland, Jacquie Warda, Mike Goulian, Greg Koontz, Melissa Pemberton and many more! Are you ready?

For the Flight Line

The excitement of the airshow starts on the flight line. To ensure the most enjoyable experience, make sure you pack a few helpful items:

-Hat

-Sunscreen

-Sunglasses

-Chair, cushion or blanket

-Camera

-Extra batteries/SD card

-Water

Aircraft Camping

Camping with your aircraft is a great way to fully immerse yourself in the Sun ‘n Fun experience. Don’t forget to pack:

-Sun ‘n Fun NOTAMS

-Window sign designating which camping area you are going to:

GAC General Aircraft Camping

GAP General Aircraft Parking

HB/HBC Homebuilt/Homebuilt Camping

HC Handicapped

ONC Overnight Aircraft Camping

SP Seaplane Parking

VAC Vintage Aircraft Camping/Parking

-Aircraft tie downs

-Aircraft sun shades and/or covers

-Toiletry items, towels and flip flops for showering areas

-Power strips for charging phones, tablets, etc.

Shopping for an aircraft:

Sun ‘n Fun offers the perfect opportunity to scope out a new aircraft with a plethora of dealers offering anything from experimental to certified aircraft. It helps to come prepared:

-Know what you need: Light sport? Fixed wing? Rotor wing? Amphibious?

-What is important to you? Aircraft size? Efficiency? Performance? Speed?

-Money: know your financing options and decide on a budget

-Have a list of questions ready. Meet and discuss these with aircraft dealers

Every year Sun ‘n Fun brings the pilot community together for a week to celebrate aviation and the team at Aviation Insurance Resources always looks forward to it! Are you ready?

To learn more about how Sun ‘n Fun or Aviation Insurance Resources, please contact us by calling 877-247-7767 or visit AIR-PROS.com today and request an aircraft insurance quote online! You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

With just one visit to Fleming Aviation’s flight school, potential and current pilots know they are entering some place special. In a day and age where businesses want to pump through customers and hit the fast pay day, Fleming Aviation remembers to focus on what’s important: sharing the love of aviation with others.

Not only is Fleming Aviation the leading Light Sport Pilot (LSA) training center in central Maryland, they can assist pilots in the purchase of light sport aircraft. Fleming Aviation is the mid-Atlantic representative for the CSA SportCruiser as well as the Northeastern Region dealer for the Groppo Trail aircraft.

Even though they sell and promote LSA training, Fleming Aviation is equipped to instruct pilots in private training and instrument flight training in two locations: Davis Airport in Laytonsville, MD and Hyde Field in Clinton, MD. The Fleming fleet consists of three PiperSport LTD aircraft, and an IFR certified AMD Alarus CH2000.

Flight School Insurance from AIR

Just as pilots with Fleming Aviation know there is something special about the flight school, pilots who shop their aircraft insurance with Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) get that feeling, too! All agents at AIR are pilots or come from a strong background in aviation. When you call AIR, you will always find yourself talking to a person who is as excited about your aircraft as you are. Whether you are looking for flight school insurance or flying club insurance, Cessna 150 insurance or King Air insurance, all of our agents at AIR will take your needs personally as if it were their own. We are our own clients!

Take to the Air with Fleming Aviation

With two convenient locations in Laytonsville and Clinton, MD, Fleming Aviation is open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm and by appointment. Contact them via email at info(at)flemingaviation.com or call 240-252-5181 today!

Scenically tucked in between Lake Champlain and the Winooski River, Burlington International Airport (KBTV) is the home of the Vermont Flight Academy (VFA). The Vermont Flight Academy Facebook page announces each new pilot as they earn their wings, showing the success and pride of this nonprofit 501(c)(3) flight school.

The School

The Vermont Flight Academy is the sole flight school in the state to instruct under FAA approved Part 141 rules and also instructs under Part 61. The facility has 16 aircraft from single piston trainers to tailwheel instruction. Also provided is seaplane instruction including the multi-engine seaplane rating in their Twin Sea Bee. For the bad weather days and for the aviator on a budget, the academy also has four FAA approved simulators on site, to include the full motion Redbird Simulator.

The Degree

Vermont Flight Academy has partnered up with Vermont Technical College to offer a Bachelor of Science (BS) in professional pilot technology. Upon completing this four year degree, students will have logged around 250 hours of flight time and have become Certified Flight Instructors (CFI). Started in 2012, the partnership between Vermont Flight Academy and Vermont Technical College has prepared many pilots for takeoff into a career in aviation.

Aircraft Rental

The instructors and Vermont Flight Academy will provide a check out in each new make and model aircraft a pilot may rent. Along with this routine check out, non-owned aircraft insurance, also known as renters insurance, is required. VFA recommends the minimum coverage listed below:

$250,000 for Non-Owned Bodily Injury and Property Damage Excluding Loss of Use of Non-Owned Aircraft

As a student or renter at Vermont Flight Academy you will experience firsthand that their dedication to their students’ success is sky high. They are located in Burlington, VT and open seven days a week from 9AM to 5PM and by appointment. You can visit them online at www.flyvfa.org or call (802) 863-5988.

Since the inception of Vermont Flight Academy, Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) has been dedicated to providing VFA with the broadest insurance coverage at the best rates available. Airport General Liability Insurance, Hangar and Contents Insurance, Workers Compensation Insurance, D&O Insurance and maybe even Airshow Insurance are just some of the needs a flight school have on their list. Before the list gets too overwhelming, give the aviation insurance experts at Aviation Insurances Resources (AIR) a call.

This insurance policy can be purchased quickly and easily online at a premium of only $314 annually. Insurance discounts are available for claim free individuals as well as for those that have completed a Wings level or the OpenAirplane checkout.

Founded by Geoff Orlandi in the fall of 2012 with the mission to enhance other’s lives through aviation, the Orlandi Flight Center offers flight instruction, aircraft rental and scenic tours in the Blairstown, NJ area.

In 2013 and 2014, the Orlandi Flight Center received the AOPA Flight Training Excellence award for providing superior instruction. Orlandi Flight Center was the only school in the northeast region where both the flight school and an individual instructor (Geoff Orlandi) received this honor. The flight school offers any training a pilot would need, from introductory flights or sport pilot or private pilot certification to commercial pilots and ATPs. If you are looking for an instrument rating, multi-engine rating, tail wheel endorsement, or just a flight review, Orlandi has you covered.

The Orlandi fleet consists of 1947 Piper J3 Cub as well as a 1969 Cessna 172. Adding to the Orlandi repertoire is a Redbird JAY Flight simulator available for the budget pilot in mind or for when weather conditions are less than ideal for training. The Redbird simulator is available at an hourly rate or an annual fee for unlimited use.

The Orlandi Flight Center entrusts Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) for their flight school insurance and flight simulator insurance needs. Each aircraft insurance expert at AIR shops all of the major markets to provide your flight school with the broadest policy coverage at the best rates. This saves both money and time, leaving your school to do what it does best…instruct and inspire future pilots.

Geoff Orlandi’s pledge is to “do everything I can to deliver the most rewarding flying experience available.” Just as AIR’s pledge to him was to provide service with integrity from aviation insurance experts.

It all starts with flight schools in the general aviation industry. At Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR), we provide a full range of aircraft insurance and aviation insurance products, including flight school and flight simulator insurance. To find out more about insuring your flight school or simulator, please contact Aviation Insurance Resources by calling 877-247-7767 or visit our website and fill out our quick and easy flight school quote request today.

Many pilots enjoy sharing their love for aviation with their families. At Duffy’s Aircraft Sales and Leasing aviation is nothing short of a family affair. Founded in 1974 by Harold “Duffy” and Alice Gaier, Duffy’s Aircraft has locations both in Neillsville and Marshfield, Wisconsin. The Gaiers’ sons quickly joined in on the family aircraft business and all together, Duffy’s has been providing friendly and safe aviation services for over 40 years.

Duffy’s offers it all, providing charter services, aircraft maintenance and even holiday light flights! For those considering becoming a pilot as a hobby or a career, a discovery flight at Duffy’s in just a step away. From there, training for sport pilot to commercial and advanced endorsements are available. Adding to the list of options at this flight school are on site computerized written exams and a designated examiner on staff.

Tired of renting an aircraft? Duffy’s offers aircraft leasing! From Pipers to Cessnas, Duffy’s Aircraft provides aircraft leased exclusively to you or your club for long term use. Regardless if you rent or lease through Duffy’s, they recommend getting your aircraft insurance through their own broker, Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR). Since its inception, AIR has been providing Duffy’s Aircraft and their students and pilots, the best rates and the broadest coverages available in the insurance industry.

About Duffy’s Aircraft Sales and Leasing

Involved with aviation since the 1960’s the Gaiers are right at home at both Neillsville and Marshfield airports. With two locations and a wide variety of aircraft and pilot services, Duffy’s aircraft is the one stop shop in central Wisconsin for all things aviation.

To see what else Duffy’s can offer you visit them online at DuffysAircraft.com or call the family at 715-387-2211. Office hours are 8AM until 6PM Monday through Sunday.

About Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR)

As fellow aircraft owners and pilots, AIR understands your needs and challenges in properly insuring your assets. All of the insurance companies we represent are A.M. Best rated “A” or better. Best of all, AIR is licensed in all 50 states and represents all of the major aviation insurance markets.

In the modern day world, technology is everywhere helping streamline business. Emails can offer speedier replies than the post office and file rooms have become a thing of the past, replaced by data files instantly accessible on a computer. While technology has many major benefits, the personal touch behind the business can become lost. We all have dreaded calling a customer service line where you must first listen to many options and then press several buttons to finally get to the correct department. The human relationship is gone.

When calling Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) for an aircraft insurance quote, many pilots are amazed at the fact that there is always a human on the other line. Pilots never find themselves dialing numbers to get to the correct agent. A pilot and agent will answer the phone and be happy to get you to the right place. It is that personal touch and enthusiasm that will follow you through the process of the aircraft insuring process and to renewals for years to come.

We are our own clients

All agents at AIR are pilots or come from a strong background in aviation. When you call AIR, you will always find yourself talking to a person who is as excited about your aircraft as you are. Whether you are looking for flying club insurance or flight school insurance, Cessna 150 insurance or King Air insurance, all of our agents at AIR will take your needs personally as if it were their own.

It all starts with the Flight Schools in general aviation. Flight schools are the backbone of the aviation industry. Without flight schools, aviation as we know it dies. The future of aviation depends of the continued development of quality, professional pilots. This is why it is so important to protect flight schools. How?

Flight School Insurance!

Depending on your flight school and its operation, you will consider some combination of the following coverages:

At Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR), we provide a full range of aircraft insurance and aviation insurance products, including Flight School Insurance for schools of all shapes and sizes. Let the aviation insurance experts at AIR guide you through the process of selecting the right insurance company. We represent all of the major aviation insurance markets so we can offer you the broadest package of protection at the best available rates. Best of all, AIR has regional offices around the country to help you better manage your commercial insurance needs.